Royalty w/o 8/23 in review

Monday night I came home after work to recharge the batteries and to catch up on my blog.

Tuesday night I was out at Citi Field to see the Florida Marlins play the Mets. Josh Johnson started for the Marlins and R.A. Dickey pitched for the Mets. With that being said, I expected to see a well pitched ballgame. Much to my chagrin, neither pitched well. Josh Johnson lasted only 5 innings and R.A. Dickey went 7 innings but he blew a 4-2 lead when he gave up a 3 run home run to Gaby Sanchez in the 7th inning. The Mets managed to bail out Dickey when they tied the game in the 8th inning when Carlos Beltran delivered a clutch 2 out hit. In the 9th inning, Luis Castillo came through with the game winning hit to give the Mets a dramatic 6-5 win.

Wednesday night I was back at Citi Field for the second game of the series between the Mets and the Marlins. This time the Mets fell short when Jose Reyes ended the game by grounding out with the bases loaded and the Mets down by a run. They lost, 5-4!

Thursday night was the rubber match between the two teams. The Mets took a 4-0 lead after 3 innings. The Marlins got 2 back in the 4th inning then they chased Mets starting pitcher Jonathon Niese in the 6th inning when they scored 7 more to break the game open. The Marlins went on to win the game, 11-4 and they won the series.

Friday night the Houston Astros came to Citi Field for the first time this season. They just sweep the Phillies 4 straight in Philadelphia. Mike Pelfrey pitched well again for the Mets throwing 8 shutout innings. Bobby Parnell gave up a run in the 9th inning but the Mets managed to hang on for the 2-1 victory despite getting only 3 hits. Former Met Nelson Figueroa walked in a run which proved to be the difference in this one.

Saturday night the Astros jumped on Mets ace Johan Santana as they scored 2 runs in the top of the first inning. They went on to beat the Mets, 4-1! The Mets had numerous chances to capitalize but they failed to deliver the clutch hit when they need it.

Sunday afternoon was the rubber match in this series. With R.A. Dickey back on the mound, the Mets were able to take the series this time. Dickey pitched well giving up just one run over 7 innings as the Mets cruised to a 5-1 decision.

Special guests this week included our new found friend Manny Bonilla. Manny attended all 6 games with us. His mother came along with him on Friday night. We told her he's a good kid and I mentioned to her he wants to go with us to Philadelphia on Labor Day for the Day/Night doubleheader. She said it's not a problem for him to go with us. After all, he's only 17. I told her he's in good hands with us.

Friday night we saw regulars Steve & Jon Work.

In addition, on Sunday my Cousin Andy joined us for the game. He finally saw the Mets win a game. He came a few times earlier in the season and they lost. He had a great time spending time with Royalty and company. More importantly, he got to spend quality time with his favorite relative. We went out for dinner after the game as well.

Thank you for reading and following along.

Stay tuned for the week ahead.

Yours truly,

Gary Herman